Melbourne’s Mayoral elections are approaching fast, a position that’s more title than power, encompassing a small jurisdiction. Not to belittle the importance of this democratic process but let’s be realistic. One policy that leaps out is John Elliot & Gary Morgan’s proposal to close nightclubs by 1AM to cull violence and mischief on weekends. Yet 1AM is the general cut off time for transport services on weekends and many clubbers will find themselves on the street, facing closed doors, closed stations and a cherry-picking taxi system. They also propose a $100mil light rail to Tullamarine and more underground carparks. They should be lampooned.
Candidate Gary Singer proposes a 24-hour transport system on weekends; this could reduce violence, increase competition in the taxi industry and open up Melbourne. Singer also proposes a free tram service on Swanston St, which sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare.
David Nolte proposes Aboriginal’s to be recognised on the city’s coat of arms and two extra late night train services on weekends. The latter being a more fiscally reasonable response to Singer’s plan but the former seems like a pretty minute policy to base a campaign on. Does it require a mayor? Maybe just a campaign amongst Melbournians, a signed petition and strong lobbying?
Of course there are a few others, but they don’t rake a worthy analysis; banal ideas like new infrastructure for the Docklands or a ‘fighting fund’ to aid retailers. Transport and nightlife is the big issue here in Melbourne, that’s where you should base a policy.
